Domestic Violence awareness month: Understanding the Intersections of DV, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking
Written By Rebecca Fein
october-is-domestic-violence-awareness-month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and strengthen our collective commitment to ending violence in all its forms. This year, our community has seen an increase in reports of domestic violence, reminding us of the ongoing and urgent need for awareness, prevention, and support.

Verity recognizes the deep intersections between domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, and the complex ways these forms of violence can overlap and impact survivors in our community.

Verity – Sonoma County’s sexual assault prevention, intervention, and healing center – recognizes the strong and undeniable connections between domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. These forms of abuse are rooted in power and control, often overlap, and leave lasting impacts on survivors, families, and entire communities. Survivors of one form of abuse often experience others, making coordinated care and compassionate, comprehensive services essential.

Intimate partner sexual violence is far more common than many realize.The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (CDC, 2017) found that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experience sexual violence by an intimate partner. Yet there is still a harmful misconception that consent is somehow “implied” in a relationship. The truth is that every survivor of sexual assault, regardless of who the perpetrator is, has the same rights, and the same resources and supports are available to them.

Experiencing sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner can be especially devastating. Survivors often describe the deep betrayal that comes from being harmed by someone they trust, live with, or share children with. The effects can include physical injuries, long-term health concerns and emotional impacts. Many survivors also live with ongoing fear for their safety. For some, the assault results in pregnancy, an outcome that 1 in 7 survivors of rape experience.

Survivors of intimate partner sexual abuse may also experience human trafficking. Human trafficking is defined by the National Human Trafficking Hotline as a trafficker using force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against their will. Sometimes the trafficker is someone the victim once loved and trusted. In many cases, traffickers are already or become intimate partners, with the same power and control dynamics seen in domestic violence.

Intimate partner trafficking occurs when an abuser compels their partner to engage in forced labor, including commercial sex. In other situations, victims may live with their trafficker and experience the physical violence, emotional manipulation, and coercive control that are hallmarks of domestic violence. In some cases, traffickers and victims have children together, which can be used as another tool of manipulation and control.

Just as survivors of intimate partner sexual abuse do, survivors of human trafficking also have access to the same supports available to domestic violence survivors. It is important that all survivors receive the support they need to assess their safety, gain education, and find the strength to leave. On average, it takes seven attempts before a survivor is able to leave their abuser, and the act of leaving is often the most dangerous time. This is why reaching out for support from service providers is so critical so that safety planning and  high risk assessments can be done for each unique situation

Navigating the criminal process, whether filing a police report or going to court, can also feel overwhelming and frightening. Survivors do not have to go through it alone. Highly trained and culturally responsive advocates are available to walk alongside survivors throughout the entire process.

Access to resources is especially crucial for those who may have been financially dependent on their abuser and are now taking steps toward independence. Every survivor deserves safety, dignity, and the support needed to rebuild their life.

We encourage families, educators, and community leaders to talk openly about healthy relationships, respect, and consent. These small but powerful steps can prevent future harm. For example, our K-12 educational programs teach youth about healthy relationships to prevent intimate partner violence. By normalizing these discussions, we give the next generation the tools to build safer and healthier communities. Silence allows abuse to persist, while open dialogue empowers survivors, educates communities, and fosters prevention. Together, we can challenge stigma, break cycles of violence, and create lasting change.

At Verity, we believe in the strength of survivors and the power of a united community to end violence. We stand in solidarity with survivors, their loved ones, and our partner agencies working to end intimate partner violence. We remain committed to providing crisis intervention, advocacy, and healing resources, while collaborating with domestic violence organizations to ensure survivors receive the holistic care they deserve. All of our services are offered by a team of bilingual staff, and we also provide access to a language line to ensure that language is never a barrier to support.

We encourage everyone to check in with loved ones, learn the warning signs of abuse, and reach out for help if you or someone you know may be in danger. To every survivor: you are not alone. There is help, there is hope, and we are here for you.

Sources / Learn More

For confidential support, information, and referrals related to sexual assault and human trafficking, please call:

  • Verity’s 24/7 Crisis Line: Confidential support is available any time at (707) 545-7273

  • National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (BEFREE) for assistance.

For domestic violence services, please contact our partner agencies:

You are not alone—help and support are here!

If you believe in our mission and want to support the cause, please consider making a donation. Every contribution helps us continue providing life-saving services, raising awareness, and expanding prevention efforts.

In addition to donating, you can support by volunteering, inviting Verity to speak with your organization, or sharing our resources to raise awareness.

Rebecca Fein
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